Vomiting and diarrhea are common reasons
for dog owners to bring their pets into the veterinarian, and it's
no wonder why. The mess can be difficult to deal with, and affected
dogs are obviously suffering. Gastrointestinal
upset is a symptom of many diseases, but if vomiting and/or diarrhea have persisted for some time,
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) will be towards the top of the list
of underlying conditions that might be to blame.

What Causes Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

The underlying cause of IBD is not
known. Scientists believe that the immune system in the gastrointestinal
tract overreacts to the presence of certain foods, bacteria or other
substances, but the reason for this is unclear. Whatever the underlying
cause, inflammatory cells are drawn to the walls of the intestinal tract,
and their presence disrupts the normal function of the gut. This
can occur in the stomach, small intestine, large intestine or some combination
of the three.

"A veterinarian might suspect that your dog has inflammatory bowel disease based on his history and physical examination findings, but a definitive diagnosis is not possible without a thorough work-up."

IBD is usually diagnosed in middle
aged to older dogs, but younger animals are also at risk. Genetics
seems to play a role in some cases of IBD, particularly in certain breeds,
including Boxers and German Shepherd Dogs.

The Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The symptoms of IBD depend on where
in the gastrointestinal tract the disease is located. Inflammation
of the stomach will cause vomiting. If the small intestine is affected,
vomiting and diarrhea are possible. Inflammation of the large
intestine typically causes a dog to have frequent episodes of small
amounts of diarrhea that may contain mucus and blood.

Other possible clinical signs include:

Weight loss

Changes in appetite (a poor
or ravenous appetite are possible)

Lethargy

Noisy gut sounds

Flatulence

Veterinary and Home Care

A veterinarian might suspect that your
dog has inflammatory bowel disease based on his history and physical
examination findings, but a definitive diagnosis is not possible without
a thorough work-up. Many other diseases have symptoms that are
similar to IBD. To rule these out your veterinarian may need to
perform some or all of the following:

Blood work

Urinalysis

Fecal examinations

Abdominal x-rays

Abdominal ultrasound

Tests for pancreatic function

Dietary changes

If none of these tests point to another
reason for your dog's symptoms, biopsies, which are small tissue samples
taken from your dog's gastrointestinal tract, will be necessary.
The biopsies can be collected either by using an endoscope, a flexible
tube inserted through the mouth or anus, or via surgery. Both
procedures have benefits and drawbacks; your veterinarian should be
able to help you decide which is best for your dog.

Once the diagnosis of IBD has been
reached, your veterinarian will recommend treatment based on the location
and severity of disease. Common therapies include:

Feeding a hypoallergenic
diet (e.g., one made from novel protein and carbohydrate sources like
duck and potato)

Most cases of IBD in dogs can be managed
successfully with some combination of the above. Some dogs may
be able to be weaned off some or all of their drugs while others require
relatively aggressive treatment for the rest of their lives.

The above is provided for information purposes only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any condition.
This information does not cover all possible variables, conditions, reactions, or risks relating to any topic, medication, or product and should not
be considered complete. Certain products or medications may have risks and you should always consult your local veterinarian concerning the treatment of
your pet. Any trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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- Louis C - Arnold, MD

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